Formerly open to all visitors, it has been a popular spot for many activities ranging from
gyrocopter and
ultralight aircraft operations to automobile racing. The
Bureau of Land Management has installed a fence to enclose the lake and some of the surrounding areas, and now charges fees for entry to what is now known as the El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area. It is a popular filming location for automobile commercials. Permits for the Recreation Area can be purchased on-site, at local retailers and online. Annual permits are $90, weekly permits are $30, and daily permits are $15. Private aircraft may still land on the lakebed. For 50 years the lakebed has been used by the
Southern California Timing Association for timed speed runs. The club also operates the
Bonneville Salt Flats speed runs. ==Climate==